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Business Insurance for Contractors

Jul 09, 2018

An Interview with Jack West of Federated Insurance

SMACNA is partnering with Premier Partner, Federated Insurance, to offer SMACNA members a wide range of coverage tailored specifically to the needs of contractors. Federated is offering specialized coverage to members including property and casualty insurance, workers compensation insurance, bonding, and errors and omissions protection. Headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota, the company has more than 2,300 employees.

SMACNews asked Federated Insurance National Account Executive Jack West how they can meet SMACNA members’ business insurance and risk management needs.

Tell us about the history of Federated Insurance:
In 1904, a small group of Minnesota business owners, concerned about the high cost of fire insurance, formed a mutual fire insurance company. A group of farm implement dealers also were addressing the high cost of insurance, and the two groups formed what would become Federated Insurance.

During the 20th century, Federated became one of the country’s first multi-line commercial insurance providers, developing a national presence with a strong financial foundation. Today, we are a leading provider of insurance products and risk management services.

We believe our value is measured by the success of our clients. Our mission statement “It’s Our Business to Protect Yours®” sums up the reason we exist.

How is Federated qualified to serve members’ needs?
We have more than 500 state and national associations that recommend Federated exclusively to their members. Having worked with the construction industry for years, we offer personalized service as well as value-added tools and coverages—many designed around direct input from contractors.

What services do Federated representatives provide? We want to bring more than just insurance to our clients. Our marketing representatives help provide services to clients including:

Major Client Service Standards.

On-Site Risk Management Services.

Risk Management Resource Center.

Federated’s Shield Network.

Federated Employment Practices Network.

Seven Minute Safety Trainer.

How are insurance claims handled? We operate through a direct model, which gives us a unique advantage. From the sales process to claims service, SMACNA members can expect to work directly with Federated employees.

We provide fast, fair, and direct claims service with highly trained adjusters, appraisers, and rehabilitation specialists. We have claims offices located throughout the U.S., including Owatonna, Atlanta, Dallas, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Tampa Bay.

How do you help contractors determine if their current insurance policy is suitable? Our representatives can help members with every aspect of their insurance requirements, custom designing an insurance and risk management program that is tailor-fit to meet their business needs.

We help build members’ insurance programs from the ground up rather than just copying their current coverages. Contractors should understand what their policies include and what is excluded. Knowing this upfront helps owners decide what to cover rather than finding out about an exclusion when filing a claim.

How can you help with risk management policies?
We offer loss prevention training needs for owners and risk managers through the Federated Insurance Risk Management Academy ℠.

What additional insurance packages do you offer? We can handle contract bonding through our wholly owned subsidiary, Granite Re Inc.

How can members establish a relationship with Federated Insurance?
Members can contact their local Federated marketing representative directly, and with 550 representatives around the country, we are never far away. Members can visit the “Locate Your Representative” section on Federated Insurance’s home page or call our Client Contact Center (888) 333-4949 to learn more.

Federated also provides SMACNA members with a complimentary review of their current insurance coverage. For more information, contact Jack West at (800) 533-0472.

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